Level 1 Culinary Skills

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. A keen interest in cooking and a commitment to learning are essential.

Students will be assessed through a combination of practical demonstrations, written assignments and projects. There will also be opportunities to participate in real-world cooking experiences to showcase their skills.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

At Level 1, our courses are designed to lay a solid foundation without the requirement of a work placement, allowing you to focus fully on mastering the fundamentals of your chosen field. As you progress to Level 2 and Level 3, we encourage you to enhance your learning experience and boost your career prospects through targeted work placements. These opportunities are crafted to complement your studies and provide practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting, preparing you to excel in a career you are passionate about.

At Northumberland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The course is designed for anyone who is interested in a career in catering - ideal if you work or want to work in the food and beverage, food preparation or cooking areas of the hospitality industry.

You will study topics such as:

- Introduction to the kitchen environment - Understanding kitchen safety, hygiene practices, and the use of basic kitchen equipment
- Food preparation techniques - Learning essential skills such as knife handling, chopping, slicing, dicing, and basic cooking methods including boiling, poaching, steaming, baking, and grilling
- Recipe development - Understanding and following recipes, measuring ingredients accurately and adjusting recipes as needed
- Basic culinary techniques - Preparing soups, sauces, vegetables, meats, and desserts
- Nutrition and diet - Introduction to basic nutrition principles and healthy cooking practices
- Customer service skills - Basics of presenting dishes, communication skills, and understanding customer needs
- Teamwork and time management - Working effectively in a team and managing time efficiently in a kitchen setting

You will study a range of modules, including:

- Health and Safety
- Healthy Foods and Special Diets
- Introduction to Kitchen Equipment
- Boiling, Poaching and Steaming
- Stewing and Braising
- Baking, Roasting and Grilling
- Deep and Shallow Frying
- Food Safety